Algerian security services have thwarted a possible Sept. 11 terrorist attack in eastern Algeria, a security official and local media reported Thursday, as thousands of army troops and police conducted anti-terror sweeps throughout the North African country.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged North African countries to build a more unified approach in fighting terrorism and to maintain efforts for political reform as she wrapped up a three-day visit to the region Sunday.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Sunday pressed U.S. allies in North Africa for greater cooperation in the face of terrorism and continued efforts at political change as she ended a visit to the region.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called for closer anti-terrorism coordination with the North African leaders she met Saturday, while also saying the U.S. would work to return Guantanamo detainees to their home countries "as soon we possibly can."

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged closer coordination with North African allies on fighting terrorism and said Saturday the U.S. would work to return Guantanamo detainees to their home countries "as soon we possibly can."

A spate of roadside bombs has targeted police and the military in Algeria this week, a security official said Wednesday, as local media reported that a large army and police sweep was under way against Islamist militants.

A spate of roadside bombs has targeted police and the military in Algeria this week, a security official said Wednesday, as local media reported that a large army and police sweep was underway against Islamist militants.

al-Qaeda's North African branch claimed to have killed at least 130 people in Algeria in a spate of attacks this month nearly twice the official death toll, said a statement carried on a website frequently used by militants.